Who Was The First Black Teacher? The System Revolution

Ever wondered who was the first black teacher in the United States? Though it may be hard to trace back to the very first African American who fought for education, we’ve done some research to find the first black teacher to teach openly in a school, as well as the amazing teachers who taught her.

We’ve also compiled a list of other notable firsts in the field of education, and a few contemporary innovators and activists fighting for better education and opportunities in America.

The First Black Teacher

Susie King Taylor (1848-1912) was the first black teacher to teach openly in a school for former slaves. She was born as a slave on a plantation in Georgia, and later lived with her grandmother, who was influential in her education. Susie learned from a variety of “teachers,” including her grandmother, playmates, and white youth who challenged the laws and social customs that forbade the education of black slaves in Georgia.

Susie was not the first African American to begin teaching, however. Before her time, it was illegal to teach slaves, and Susie attended an illegal school taught by a freed slave named Mrs. Woodhouse. Teachers like Mrs. Woodhouse educated others despite the danger to themselves.

But by 1862, when Ms. Taylor was teaching her students, she was the first teacher who was able to educate openly and legally.

Susie King Taylor was also the first black Army nurse to serve in an all-black regiment during the Civil War (where her husband was serving). After she published her memoir about the war, Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33rd United States Colored Troops, Late 1st S.C. Volunteers, she became the first African American teacher in Savannah, Georgia, where she taught children during the day and adults at night.

A simple classroom in the late 1800’s: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-desk-table-752395/

The First Black Teachers Across America

Robert Lewis Gilbert

Robert Lewis Gilbert was the first black teacher to be hired in a white school. Gilbert relays how he felt nervous about teaching white children, but when he began teaching, he “detected that there were some geniuses, some average, and some mediocre whites, just as there were blacks.”

Maggie Washington

After schools began hiring black teachers, Maggie Washington took steps to encourage integration with white co-workers. She recounts: “Even the custodian tried to give me a hard time. A lot of teachers were so disgruntled that they were working with a black teacher that they went to the principal.” Washington continued to teach her favorite subject, social studies, and positively influence her fellow teachers, as well as her students and their parents.

Harriet L. Smith

Harriet L. Smith was the first black teacher in the Boston Public Schools. She taught at the Sharp School on Beacon Hill from 1890 until 1917 where she taught at the Bowdoin School (also on Beacon Hill).

Elizabeth N. Smith

Elizabeth N. Smith, Harriet L. Smith’s sister, also taught in Boston from 1894 until 1896.

And more

Other revolutionary black teachers during the early 1900s included Eleanor A. Smith, Blanche V. Smith, Mary E. Smith, Jacqueline Caroll, and Lola D. Yates.

Teacher and students in a classroom: https://unsplash.com/photos/N_aihp118p8

Other Famous Firsts

Daniel Hale Williams

Daniel Hale Williams was the founder of the first interracial hospital in America, which was founded in 1891. The hospital was also the first school for black nurses.

Mae C. Jemison

Mae C. Jemison was the first black female astronaut who went to space in 1992 on the Endeavor crew.

Kelly Miller

Kelly Miller was the country’s first African American graduate student (who earned a degree in mathematics). In the early 1900’s he was also a leader for civil rights, and published articles in academic journals to encourage educated black leaders.

Dorothy Lavinia Brown

Dorothy Lavinia Brown was the first female African American surgeon in 1954. She also became the first African American woman in the Tennessee Legislature.

Fanny Jackson Coppin

Over the span of almost 40 years, Fanny Jackson Coppin improved the education system in Philadelphia, as well as other places. In 1869, she became the first female African American principal in the country.

Patrick Francis Healy

Patrick Francis Healy was the first African American man to earn a Ph.D. in America. He also became a Jesuit priest and presided over a white college, making him the first in many categories.

Contemporary Activists

Cornel West

Cornel West is a professor and activist who has been encouraging civil discourse and fighting against unjust policies since the 70’s.

Bobby Austin

In 1997, Bobby Austin founded the Village Foundation, an organization that encourages young African Americans to engage in society through educational events such as Give a Boy a Book Day.

Robert Hill

Robert Hill contributes to the fight against negative stereotypes by researching and writing about African American life and families. His book, The Strengths of Black Families, is his most notable contribution.

Ramona Edelin

Ramona Edelin started the program “Say Yes to a Youngster’s Future,” as part of the National Urban Coalition which provides educational assistance to youth, as well as teachers, in America. She eventually joined the Department of Education.

A teacher and student in 2020: https://unsplash.com/photos/N_aihp118p8

Famous Innovators

Ernest Everett Just

Ernest Everett Just was a renowned biologist who co-founded the Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Howard University, which created what is now known as Black History Month.

Inez Beverly Prosser

In 1933, Inez Beverly Prosser was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. She contributed research to the fields of educational psychology and African American studies.

Rick Kittles

Rick Kittles pioneered studies in genetics and contributed to the discoveries of prostate cancer prevention in black men.

Fannie C. Williams

Fannie C. Williams had a long career as an educator in Louisiana, and helped institute kindergarten, standardized testing, and Child Health Day.

To Wrap Up

If you’ve wondered who was the first black teacher, this article will shed some light on the history of educators and activists in America. This list of incredible individuals, from the first black teacher, to today’s innovators in science and education, show the brave and passionate people who fought for equal, quality education, and those who continue to improve education in America.